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Roof Weight – Taking a Load Off with Metal Roofing

strong metal roofs in lakeland flAmong all the questions a person might ask when looking at a home for sale, “How much does the roof weigh?” is probably not high on the list.  But maybe it should be.

When you give it a little thought, you can see why this is true.  Roofs are big and cover the entire house.  Depending on the materials used in its construction, a residential roof on a 2,500-square-foot home can weigh as much as 50,000 pounds.  That’s like having five full-grown African elephants lounging around up there.

Some people are surprised when they discover the weights of different roofing materials.  Most are very surprised when they find out that metal roofs come in at the lowest weight among all “standard” roofing materials while holding up over the years better than the rest of them.

Although lightweight, metal roofing is ultra-strong and ultra-durable.  It can maintain its performance over 50 years, where you might only get 10 or 15 good years out of traditional asphalt shingles.  You’ll also be glad to know that because of the method of laying and fastening metal roofing panels, leaking is just about impossible.

Metal roofs keep looking good year after year, even when subjected to excessive winds and pounding rains.  And as for the quality of life inside a home under a metal roof, consider that these roofs actually reflect the rays of the sun and keep the home cooler during the hot summer months than other types of roofing materials.

The problem with a heavy roof

A well-constructed brand new home can easily support a roof weighing 40,000 or 50,000 pounds.  As the home ages, however, its structural and support materials weaken.  Whether it is built with engineered or dimensional lumber, and especially fire-treated wood, no home will have the same structural integrity at 50 years old as it did when it was new.

The concern here is that aging homes are more likely to move and shift under a very heavy roof, which can lead to multiple problems throughout the house.  Very heavy windstorms and worse – earthquakes – can wreak havoc with the structure of an older home.  Finally, should there be a house fire, a lighter roof is less likely to collapse and cause further damage.  And keep in mind that light metal roofs are highly fire- and flame-resistant.

Weights of various roofing materials

Here are the weights per 100 square feet of common roofing materials.

  • 45 pounds: aluminum shingles
  • 80 pounds: steel shingles
  • 120-150 pounds: steel standing seam
  • 275-325 pounds: asphalt or fiberglass shingles
  • 300-400 pounds: wood shingles
  • 350-400 pounds: composite shingles
  • 450-700 pounds: concrete tile
  • 900-1,200 pounds: slate
  • 900-1,500 pounds: clay tile

atlanta ga lightweight metal roof install

Homeowners who purchase metal roofs do so not only for the benefits of their light weight, but also for their durability, insulating properties, fire-resistance and their ability to keep looking great decade after decade while most other roofs begin showing signs of age by the 10th year.

If you want to know more of the amazing benefits of beautiful, sturdy metal roofing for your home, give Advanced Aluminum of Lakeland, Fl a call.  We supply contractors throughout the Lakeland region with the finest – and lightest – metal roofing products on the market today.  You can reach a helpful associate at (863) 648-5787, or stop in and see us at 2941 Parkway St.